The western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) is an iconic California species that has long been the subject of conservation efforts at the state and local level. The primary threat to the species is shrinking habitat – tied both to continued development, changes in agricultural practices, decline of ground squirrel populations, pesticide poisoning and predation. The burrowing owl was formerly designated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife as a state Species of Special Concern, warranting consideration during CEQA environmental review. On October 10 2024, the California Fish and Game Commission voted to designate the burrowing owl as a Candidate for listing as endangered or threatened under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). With this designation, burrowing owl is offered the same protection as other species protected under the CESA such that if “take” of the species is anticipated, an Incidental Take Permit pursuant to California Fish and Game Code would be required. In this presentation, Marisa Flores and Art Popp will provide a profile of the species and it’s ecology, an explanation of how the species became a Candidate species, protections offered candidate species, and the implications of this new status.
